Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ralph Eugene Reschke, 88, at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Ralph passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Star Living Assisted Living Facility in Lawrence.
Ralph was born August 27, 1935, in Preston, NE, the son of William G. Reschke and Sophia E. Santo Reschke. Ralph grew up on farms in Preston, NE and Fairview, KS.
Ralph met his future wife, Mary Alice Ramsey, at the skating rink in Sycamore Springs, KS. They married on December 29th, 1956, in Dawson, NE, and moved to Lawrence, KS.
Ralph attended Kansas University for six years on a part-time basis and studied engineering. Ralph worked various jobs, including repairing autos at Lawrence service stations. Ralph was hired by Hallmark Cards at the Lawrence plant in 1959 as a maintenance engineer. While working for Hallmark, Ralph enjoyed traveling the world to install, repair, modify and transfer machinery in places such as Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Ralph retired from Hallmark in 2000.
Post-retirement, Ralph enjoyed fully restoring a 1930 Model A, a 2 door 1955 Plymouth Belvedere hardtop – the car of his youth, and a convertible 1955 Plymouth Belvedere. Ralph served as president of the Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club of America for numerous years.
Ralph was active in the church throughout his time in Lawrence. Ralph was a long-time member of the St. John’s school board, and also served as its Athletic Director. He was on the parish council for many years and spent a large part of his life as an usher at both St. John’s and Corpus Christi.
Survivors include his children, Ralph Reschke, Jr. (Eradio Beltran), Arvada, CO, Christine Marie Reschke, Topeka, KS, Cynthia Ann Aldridge, Lawrence, Thomas William Reschke, Lawrence; eight grandchildren, Kathryn (Jay) VanBlaricum, Diana Spencer, Suzanne (Jay) Facer, Valerie (Dennison) Cox, Cameron Reschke, Natalie Reschke (Christopher Coffey), Toby (Bryanna) Aldridge, Ty Albright (Charles); six great grandchildren, Violet VanBlaricum, James and Michael Aldridge, Ryker and Mary Jo Coffey, Shipley Cox; his sister Joan Jurgensmeier of Salina, KS; his brother John’s wife Mary Ann Reschke of Valley Falls, KS, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, William, Robert, John and Henry; two sisters, Mary Cashman and Ruth Ann; and his wife, Mary, who passed on October 13, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Daughter’s of Isabella – Corpus Christi or the Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
A Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. prior to the service on Thursday, November 30th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Mention of Ralph & Mary makes our hearts smile with their goodness toward others. Always present and available to assist and support Corpus Christi activities and fellow parishioners. We are blessed to have known them. May your family find peace and comfort with warm memories. RIP dear friends
Christine, Ralph, Cindy and Tom,
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You are in my thoughts and I’m sending my deepest sympathy.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this saddened time of Ralph’s passing. I worked at Hallmark Cards and knew Mary, Tom and Ralph. RIP
I worked with Ralph on the Swap Meet on several occasions and I was always impressed with his dedication and commitment to the tradition. He was always thinking how to make it a better experience for both the sellers and the buyers. It was obvious this was an important part of his life, and he wanted it to be the same for others.
Very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing him at the May swap meet. Also worked with him at Hallmark. Our sympathies to the family.
Sorry to hear about Ralph, we really enjoyed working with him. Our sympathy goes out the family.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Take care as you grieve. I am sorry for your loss.
The Emerson family wish to express out condolences to the family Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss.
Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Mary and family in my prayers.
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I worked with him at Hallmark. I enjoyed seeing his pictures of his travels. Prayers for the family.
Tom, Sorry for your loss. Tracy Dethloff
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph passing . He was the first maintenance man I had at Hallmark Cards He could fix any press in the building . He and Mary were always there to help any one in need . RIP Ralph , you will be missed by many .
Ralph, Chris, Cindy and Tom,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
Maria
TOM, I am sorry to hear about your Dad, & Hope you are doing well… DAVE AFFALTER , HALLMARK Retired
Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. We worked with him at Hallmark Cards. Enjoyed working under his leadership in maintanence . May he RIP and may his family be comforted knowing he’s an angel now.
So many positive thoughts and prayers going to the Reschke family today and moving forward. Shared memories and shared grief will help at this time. Take care.